Former House Majority Leader Dick Armey has waded into the race for the 13th District congressional seat, backing one of the Republicans running to replace U.S. Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-Clarendon).

Amarillo City Councilwoman Elaine Hays’ campaign announced on Thursday that she has been endorsed by Armey in her bid for congress. In a statement released by the Hays campaign, Armey said Hays “will fight for fiscal responsibility and smaller government in Washington.”

Armey served in the U.S. House for Texas’ 26th Congressional District from 1985 through 2003, eventually serving as Majority Leader under Speakers Newt Gingrich and Dennis Hastert.

Hays is running against Josh Winegarner, Vance Snider, Monique Worthy, Richard Herman, Kevin McInturff, Chris Ekstrom, and Jamie Culley in the Republican primary for the seat. Candidates will continue to file for spots on the ballot through December 9.